Reptile

Yellow Mud Turtle

Kinosternon flavescens

Also known as Yellow-necked Mud Turtle

Yellow mud turtles are small, highly terrestrial mud turtles that spend a significant portion of the year estivating or hibernating underground in sandy soils. Their distinctive yellow coloration on the throat, chin, and neck distinguishes them from other regional mud and musk turtles. Active mostly after spring rains, they frequent temporary wetlands, stock ponds, and slow streams before retreating beneath the sand during dry summer spells.

AquaticReptileBurrowing

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Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyAquatic Insects, Crayfish, Snails

Predators

Raccoons
Coyotes
Large Birds of Prey

ThreatsHabitat loss, agricultural conversion of sandy grasslands, and road mortality.

HabitatsSandy prairies, temporary ponds, stock tanks, and slow-moving streams.

Life spanup to 40 years

Classification

FamilyKinosternidae
SpeciesKinosternon flavescens

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: May bite or produce a foul musk if handled; observe from a respectful distance.
What to notice: Identified by a smooth, olive-brown shell and bright yellow coloration on the chin, throat, and neck sides.
Support conservation: Observe from a distance without disturbing nesting or burrowing sites, and report sightings in northern range edges.

Responsible observation

Observation: Look for active turtles around temporary rain pools in late spring.
Handling Caution: Avoid lifting wild individuals to prevent stress and defensive musking or biting.

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